Survey of 259 cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Nicaragua

The clinical aspects of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Nicaragua are examined for the first time. Data regarding 259 cases were collected by the authors in two health centres of a central region of the country. On the basis of clinical observations the multiple aetiology (i.e. L. mexicana complex and L. braziliensis complex) of the lesions is suggested. The problem is of increasing importance in Nicaragua because of greater public awareness and new settlements in the endemic area and so it deserves further research.